USA is a community of leaders and learners who support and challenge one another through academic experiences, research and service that advance the Gulf Coast region and the world. South encourages creativity and discovery by linking experiential learning to real-world applications.
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South is a place where students discover and strengthen their passions, find their career paths, and form connections that result in lifelong relationships. At South, we look at the world and see things that we have the power to change, affect and shape — together. So that’s exactly what we do, every single day.
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College is an exciting time for you and your student, and we want to help you navigate through making your decision and finding resources for your student. Our website offers connections to assist you with admissions and financial aid, directions and scheduling a visit, and housing and dining options.
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Throw up your J, and join us! Your National Alumni Association membership connects you with your fellow alumni, gives back to USA, and entitles you to great alumni benefits.
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A South education allows students to explore and develop interests that build the foundation of lifelong career paths. Our faculty are dedicated to helping students reach their maximum potential. And with more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, South provides plenty of avenues for discovery.
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USA researchers are problem-solvers and pioneers, and our faculty often collaborate across disciplines. The outcomes are high-quality scholarship, global partnerships, new information and opportunities, the transformation of traditional disciplines, and innovations that benefit society.
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South’s student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports, demonstrating excellence on the field and in the classroom. The Jaguars are a charter member of the Sun Belt Conference, and our alumni have gone on to notable professional careers in baseball, basketball, golf and football.
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Education is about learning, experiencing, and exploring new ideas; it is a constant
that should never cease. I aim to make class not only about learning, but enjoyment
as well. Students are encouraged to participate in class discussion, ask questions,
and work together to find answers. Not only are my students learning from me and each
other, but I am constantly learning from them as well. As my students continue to
learn and grow in their knowledge, I continue to learn and grow, too.

My research interests are fairly general; I enjoy researching applied, clinical, and
molecular aspects of exercise physiology. My research background and main interests
include skeletal muscle gene expression and the associated signaling mechanisms; effects
of exercise and supplementation on skeletal muscle function (anabolic and catabolic
processes); and attenuation of exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammatory processes
in skeletal muscle. I am also interested in cardiac rehabilitation and its effects
on quality of life, mobility, and functionality on the chronic diseased population.

Dr. McKinley-Barnard is a member of International Society of Sport Nutrition (ISSN),
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and American College of Sports
Medicine (ACSM) organizations.

Dr. McKinley-Barnard received her B.S. from The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
in 2010. In 2011, she moved to Waco, TX to attend Baylor University. There she served
as a graduate teaching assistant in the Health, Human Performance and Recreation Department
for five years. In 2013, Dr. McKinley-Barnard graduated from Baylor University with
her M.S.Ed in Exercise Physiology. Following the completion of her M.S.Ed, she continued
her education at Baylor University until 2016 when she graduated with her Ph.D. in
Kinesiology, Exercise, Nutrition, and Health Promotion. Dr. McKinley-Barnard was born
and raised in El Paso, TX. She is married, has two dogs, and enjoys the outdoors.